Commission on Fatherhood

The Mission
The mission of the Hawaii State Commission on Fatherhood (COF) is to promote healthy family relationships by emphasizing the important role fathers play in the lives of their children. The Commission serves in an advisory capacity to state agencies and makes recommendations on programs, services, contracts, policies, and laws relating to children and families.

About the Commission on FatherhoodAn increasing body of evidence indicates that children are more likely to thrive with the support, guidance, and nurturing of both parents. Yet, many children across the country are growing up without fathers. As a result, they may lack appropriate male role models and face greater risks of health, emotional, educational, and behavioral problems during their developmental years.

Motivated by a renewed understanding of a father’s vital role in family and community life, the 2003 Hawaii State Legislature established the Commission on Fatherhood through Act 156; in June 2007, Hawaii Act 190 made it permanent. The commissioners operate independently, but the commission is administratively attached to the Department of Human Services.

The State of Fathers in the State of Hawaii (2015)– A collaboration between the Commission on Fatherhood and the UH Center on the Family, the study provides a snapshot of the state of fathers across Hawaii. The study also identifies the number, characteristics, and geographical distribution of fathers, and highlights differences and similarities between Hawaii and mainland populations.

The Commission on Fatherhood regularly recruits individuals to serve and to vote on issues. To learn how you can help fulfill the Commission’s mission, call the Governor’s Office of Boards & Commissions at (808) 586-0034 or send and email to boards.and.commissions@hawaii.gov. Visit the Governor’s Office of Boards & Commissions website at http://boards.hawaii.gov

Commission Meetings
Commission meetings are open to the public and are generally held the third Tuesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. at the DHS Office, 1390 Miller St. To confirm the meeting time and location, send an email to hawaiifatherhood@gmail.com.

Funding
The Commission on Fatherhood receives both State and private funds. HRS § 577E-7 provides that: “The commission shall administer funds appropriated or allocated for its work and shall be authorized to accept, disburse, and allocate funds that may become available from other governmental and private sources; provided that all such funds shall be disbursed or allocated in compliance with any specific designation stated by the donor and, in the absence of any specific designation, the funds shall be disbursed or allocated on projects related to any of the purposes of this chapter.”